Suction cleaning apparatus



E. F. MARTINI-[IT 1' SUCTION CLEANING APPARATUS May 4; 194.3.

' Filed May 15, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 lhymzlwarifiki May 4, 1943.

E. F. MARTINET SUCTION CLEANING APPARATUS Filed May- 15 1939 3Sheets-Sheet 2 83} wI/l/adl'wl 7M 27%;

M y 4, 1943- E. F. MARTlbiIET 1 2,318,088

.SUCTION CLEANING APPARATUS Filed May 15, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 P st sMay 4. 19 3 SUCTION CLEANING APPARATUS Eugene F. Martinet, Cleveland,Ohio, assignor to The P. A. Geier Company,

corporation oi Ohio Cleveland, Ohio, a

- Application May '15, 1939, Serial No. 273,636

- to provide a suction cleaner construction in- Claims.

The invention relates to suction cleaners, and more particularly to anattachment for cleaners for storing and distributing paradichlorobenzenecrystals or other similar germicides, insecticides, disinfectants ormoth control reagents. Moreover, the present invention' relates to acombined suction cleaner and crystal storage and distributingconstruction and arrangement and constitutes an improvement upon theconstruction shown in my copending application, Serial No. 135,005,filed April 5, 1937.

The control or extermination of moths may be accomplished by discharginga blast of air impregnated with the vapors of or minute particles ofparadichlorobenzene crystals into or onto the places where moths arelocated or may frequent; However, with prior constructions, the heatemanating from the cleaner has caused the crystals to cake in thecrystal storage compartmerit, particularly when the compartment fordischarging crystals or crystal vapors into the air stream blown fromthe cleaner, without re-' moving the dust collector, is permanently orsemi-permanently located on and communicates with the exhaust side of acleaner fan in the type of cleaner having a dust collector preceding thefan.

When the crystals cake in the storage compartment, which may occur whentemperatures of from 95 F. to 105 F. are reached therein, the crystalsare not only rendered substantially use less, but are difficult, toremove.

Moreover, a suction cleaner is not utilized for moth control or mothextermination every time it is used, but only at certain times. However,when it is so used, large quantities of crystals may be distributed, sothat a relatively 'large crystal storage compartment is necessary. 0n

the other hand, in the interest of convenience and economy, the size ofa cleaner should not be increased merely to provide a large crystalstorage compartment therein.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide adetachable crystal storage and distributing attachment for a cleaner,constructed and arranged so that crystal caking clue to heating from thecleaner is reduced, minimized v or eliminated. I

It is a further object of the present inven tion to provide a detachablecrystal storage and distributing attachment for a cleaner which has alarge crystal storage capacity without materially increasing the size ofthe cleaner.

It is also an object of the present invention eluding a detachable largecapacity crystal storage and distributing attachment which may bereadily removed to prevent caking of.the crystals when the cleaner isnormally operated, and I which is constructed and arranged to minimizeor eliminate crystal caking from the heat of the cleaner when crystalsor voltaile crystal vapors are being discharged from the cleaner.

It is likewise an object of the present invention to provide a suctioncleaner construction including a pulverizing device communicating withthe cleaner air duct on the exhaust side of the cleaner fan, a dustfilter in the cleaner air duct on the suction side of the fan, and adetachable large capacity crystal storage and distributing attachmenthaving passages and compartments communicating with the pulverizingdevice and cleaner air duct whereby a large quantity of crystals may bepulverized by the cleaner and discharged therefrom without caking thecrystals due to the heat of-xthe cleaner.

Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a verticalsuction cleaner construction having a dust filter, a motor provided witha single or multiple stage fan above the filter, and air duct meansleading from the fan, with a pluverizing device above the motor and fancommunicating with the air duct means, and with a detachable largecapacity crystal stor age and distributing attachment having passagesand a compartment communicating with the pulverizing device and cleanerair duct and forming therewith a by-passing outlet for the cleaner forthe discharge of crystals or volatile crystal vapors.

And finally, it is an object of the present invention to incorporate oneor more of the aforesaid desideratum in suction cleaner construction ina simple, inexpensive, convenient and readi ly operated manner.

These and other objects may be obtained by the improvements, elements,combinations, attachments, arrangements and constructions comprising thepresent invention, preferred embodimentsof which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, and are hereinafter described and claimed. I vThe invention may be stated in general terms as including in suctioncleaner construction an attachment having walls forming a crystal reagent reservoir or storage bin or compartment, walls spaced from andaround said compartment walls forming therewith a passageway, a valvefor said compartment, there preferably being a form of attachment; and

wall, and securing means, whereby upon engage-' ment of the cleaner andattachment securing means the valve operating device engages theattachment valve to open the same so that crystals are discharged fromthe compartment to the pulverizing device, and whereby upon engagementof the cleaner and attachment securing means the attachment passagecompletes a by-pass from the cleaner air duct charge of a blast ofpulverized crystal laden air through the attachment from the cleaner fanand from the cleaner pulverizing device. If the attachment and cleanerare provided with openings as preferred, the securing means isselectively arranged, in another position, to permit the valve to remainclosed and to discharge a portion of the air blast through the openingsand through and around the crystals in the compartment to charge the airblast blown from the cleaner and the attachment passageway with volatilevapors of the crystals.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a vertical section through an improved vertical type cleanerconstruction having parts for cooperative connection with .the

improved attachment, the cleaner being shown in normal arrangement forcleaning;

Fig. 1a is a smaller side elevation of the improved cleaner constructionshown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but showing the improved attachmentconnected with the cleaner in one position. of adjustment;

Fig. 2a,is a view similar to Fig. 1a, illustrating the parts shown inFig. 2;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to a portion of Fig. 2,

but showing the attachment in another position of adjustment;

Fig. 4 is. a view looking in the direction of the arrows 4-4, Fig. 8,showing the securing means as the attachment is being connected tocleaner;

Fig. 5 is a view similar ,to Fig. 4 showing the adjusted position of thesecuring means for the position of the parts shown in Fig. 2;

' Fig. 6 is a view similar to Figsui and 5 showing the adjusted positionof the securing means in Fig. 3; 7

Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are views looking in the direction of the arrows 1-1,Fig. 3 and correspond respectively to the position of the partsindicated in Figs. 4, 5 and 6;

for the dis-- Fig. 10 is a side elevation of the improved attachmentshown in Figs. 2 to 9;

Fig. 11 is a section taken on line I, Fig. 1; Fig. 12 is a verticalsection through a modified Fig. 13 is a'section on line |3|3', Fig. 1;Similar numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout-the variousfigures of the drawings.

The suction cleaning apparatus shown in the drawings is a vertical" typesuction cleaner and as illustrated in Figs. 1, 1a, 2 and 2a, includes apan-like base or receptacle l5 having an inlet opening connector IS withwhichafieiiblehose l1 may be detachably connected at l8; and the hosemay be provided with a suitable nozzle or other tool for cleaning anydesired surface or article in the usual manner.

Preferably a conical paper or fabric dust filter 19 is supported againstcollapse on the truncated, foraminous, conical support 20, withinreceptacle l5, for separating dust and dirt laden 'air drawn into thecleaner and depositing the dust and dirt in receptacle I5. In thedrawings, the openings in foraminous conical support 211 are only shownin section and diagrammatically in elevation, the preferred limits ofthe same being indicated in dot-dash lines.

The motor 2| is mounted on the cover member 22, which cover member 22 issupported by and clamped to receptacle l5 by clamps 22a, The motor 2|preferably extends downwardly from cover member 22 within the recess oftruncated conical member 20, as shown; and motor shaft 23 has mountedthereon, centrifugal fans 24, and at the upper end thereof a crystalgrinding or pulverizing device, which preferably consists of a rotor 25having a series of blades 26.

The two centrifugal fans 24, and fan housing and deflecting wallsgenerally indicated at 21 form a two stage suction or exhaust device forinducting a flow of air into and discharging a blast of air out of thecleaner in the general path shown by the arrows on Fig. 1. The covermember 22 also supports a dome shaped deflectorshell generally indicatedat 28, which encloses the fan housing 21 and is provided with an uppercentral outlet-opening 29 normally closed by a removable closure member30, as shown in Fig. 1.

The deflector shell 28 also has formed therein side outlet openings 3|and when the parts of the suction cleaner are in the relative positionsshown in Fig. 1, afterthe blast of air is discharged by fans 24from fanhousing 21, it passes, as shown by the arrows, through passage 32 and isdefiected by the interior surface of closure 30 and deflector shell 28downwardly about the exterior of the fan housing 21 and finallylaterally outwardly through the side outlet openings 3|, which may beinteriorly covered with a fine mesh wire screen 33, as shown.

A carrying handle 34. may be pivotallymounted at 35 on deflector shell28, and a handle 36 may also be mounted on closure 30 in any suitablemanner. An electrical conductor 31 may be connected with any suitablesource of power and extends through cover member 22 to motor 2|. Apreferably foot operated or push button control switch 38 for thecleaner motor 2| may be mounted on cover member 22. The parts thus fardescribed, with the exception of the pulverizing device 25-26 andcertain portions of the cleaner air duct only form a preferredenvironment for the present improvements presently to be described morein detail. While special advantages accrue when the present improvementsare incorporated in a vertical type suction cleaner, it is understoodthat the invention is not limited to the use of the improvements inconnection with a vertical type cleaner, because the improvements mayalso be used in tank or floor type cleaner constructions.

The dust filter and motor and fan mounting construction shown anddescribed but not claimed herein is claimed in my copending applicationfiled of even date herewith, Serial No. 273,637; the fan constructionshown but not claimed herein, is the subject matter of a patentapplication of Elmer'J. Kasper, Serial No. 261,476, filed March 13,1939; and the air flow arrangement shown but not claimed herein isclaimed in my copending application Serial No. 288,167 filed August 3,1939.

Fan housing 21 may support a generallytubular,

inverted, funnel-shaped wall 39 terminating in a restricted neck 48having pins 4| projecting therefrom; and fan housing 21 also-supports atrough member 42, having a central opening 43, and a shield member 44,extending downward around pulverizing device 2528. The trough member 42is supported by spider-like legs 45 on fan housing 21.

Trough member 42 in turn has mounted thereon a generally tubular,inverted, funnel-shaped member 46 terminating in a restricted neck 41for internal gasket 9| and a usual bayonet slotted portion 92.

Thus, connector 88 and hose 11 may be com nected to member 16 when thesuction cleaner having spaced preferably rectangular apertures 48therein. The walls of members 46 and 39 form the passage 32 previouslydescribed.

Pins 4| provide for the telescopic bayonet joint attachment of member 49provided on the inside of closure member 30 whereby closure member 38may be removably seated in air-tight relation 7 with gasket 50 carriedin annular socket 5| surrounding opening 29.

The improved crystal storage and distributing attachment generallyindicated at 52"in Figs. 2, 3 and 10, includes an inner reservoir orstorage bin or compartment 53 formed by conical nose member 54 securedby rivet or other means 55 to tubular member 56. Member '56 is securedby rivet or other means 51 with the neck of funnelshaped member 58having a top member 59 secured thereto preferably by screws 60 andterminating in a reduced neck 6|. Neck BI is closed by a cup-shaped capmember '62 having a handle 83 and preferably formed with apertures 64for a purpose to be later described. I

Tubular member 56 may also be provided if desired with a spaced seriesof apertures 65 for a purpose to be later described.

Attachment 52 alsohas an outer Wall formed by funnel-shaped member 66having a top member 61 preferably secured thereto by screws 68 andterminating in a reduced neck 69 provided with pins 18. The lower end ofmember 66 is provided with an inturned rib 1| forming a rounded socket12 for the reception of the internal gasket 13. The lower end of member66 terminates in a tubular portion 14 having elongated bayonet jointslots generally indicated at 15, each of which includes an entry portion16, and an adjusting portion 11 having an intermediate stop 18 and anend stop 19.

The outer wall formed by members 66 and 61 is secured to the inner wallformed by members 54, 56, 58 and 59 by any suitable means as by screwand spacer sleeve means so as to form a passageway 8| around compartment53.

A boss 82 is provided eccentrically of the lower end of conical member54 to receive a shouldered screw 83 on which valve plate 84 is pivotallymounted. Valve plate 84 is normally in the position shown in Figs. 2, 7and 10 where it is held by spring means 86 and stop member 81 on valvemember 84, which stop member 81 engages the outer wall of member 54. Inthis position, valve 84 closes thebottom opening of member 54.

Members I6, 48 and 69 all have the same o ter diameter and the bayonetjoint lockingpins l8,

is being normally operated as shown in Figs. 1 and 1a.. Upon removal ofcover 38, connector 88 and hose |1 may be connected with member 48 if itis desired to use the cleaner as a straight blower with some blowingtool or spray attachment on the blower end of flexible hose l1.

When the improved cleaner is. arranged with the improved crystalstorageand distributing attachment 52, cover 38 is removed, attachmentinner walls formed by members 54 and 56 are telescoped within neck 41 ofmember 46, and tubular portion 14 of the attachment telescopes overreduced neck 48 by entering pins 4| in the entry portion 16 of modifiedbayonet slot 15, as best shown in Fig. 4. The connector 88 with base |1may then be connected to the tubular neck 69 of attachment 52, as bestshown in Fig. 2. Referring more particularly to Figs. 3 to '9 inclusive,hopper member 42 is provided with one .or more upwardlyextending ears ortangs 93 (Figs. 3, '1, 8, 9 and 11) which are located on one side of orstraddle valve plate 84 (Fig. '1) so that one of the ears 93 will engageplate 84 and rotate it to an open position uncovering opening 85 whenattachment 521s rotated on neck 48 to bring the end stop portions 19 ofbayonet locking slots into engagement with pins 4| (Figs. 3, 6 and 9).

Thus, a connection of attachment 52 to the cleaner, and movement thereofto the limit of movement of the bayonet joint connection 4 |15 touncover openspaced windows or openings48 in neck 41, so

preferably provided with tin foil or the like.

-emanating from the cleaner motor from being ment 52 g 43 in hopper thatair or gas can pass in and out through apertures 65 and openings 48. Inall other positions of attachment 52, the wall of neck 41 closesapertures 65, as shown in to be later described.

The inner surface of member 54 may be and preferably is lined with alayer of asbestos 94 an inner'coating' of The asbestos keeps heattransmitted to the contents of compartment 53 and the tin foil surfaceon the asbestos not only reflects any heat, but also provides a slipperyinner surface for member 54.-

In using the attachment 52 for moth eX- termination or control,compartment 53 is filled with paradichlorobenzene crystals and attachasshown' in Figs. 3, 6 and '9, whereupon the I crystals drop from thestorage compartment 53 out through opening 85 and throughlopening member42 onto the rotating pul Fig. 3, for a purpose and hose l! are connectedwitheach' is started by operaverizing rotor and are ground "by impactwith the blades to annely divided state.

The clearance between shield member I4 and pulverizing device rotor andblades 2!-2l .determines are ground; and this clearance is ordinarilyestablished by the manufacturer in course o assembly, but may be changedby, shimrning up rotor 25-28 when mounting thesame on shaft 22, or byshimming up the spider. portion 45 of hopper member 42 when mounting thesame on fan housing 21.

Thereafter, the ground crystal particles are discharged radiallyoutwardly from rotor 25 as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 3, and intothe air blast. issuing from the fan chamber, then through passage 22 andinto passage 8! and then outward through connector and hose H to anynozzle or other attachment on the end of the hose for being blown ontoor into a region or place where it is desired to kill or control moths.

It is essential, ii apertures 25 have been provided, that these becovered by portions of the neck 41 when the attachment 2 is in crystalgrinding position so that the small ground crystal particles do not stopup apertures 88 as the particles entrained in the air blast pass throughpassages 32 and ll and particularly past the restriction'in the passageformed by gasket." and inturned rib 1|.

A blast\oi air containing pulverized paradi- -chlorobenzene crystals isused principally for killing moths by contact with the crystals orcontinued presence of the crystal particles until they evaporate in theplaces where moths frequent or are present or to drive moths out oi suchplaces.

iSometimes, ior moth control purposes. when it is desired to discouragemoths from frequenting or inhabiting certain places, the places or areasmay be subjected to a blast 01 air containing vapors from the crystalsand this may be accomplished by adjusting the attachment 52 to theintermediate or "vapor" position shown in Figs. 2, 5 and 8; In thisposition, no crystals are discharged .iromthe attachment to bepulverized or ground, but some of the air blast from the tan in-passingalong passage 32 enters window openings 18 and aligned apertures GI andthen passes through the crystal containing compartment 52 to there pickup volatile vapors oi the crystals which are discharged through openingsN in cap 62 and thence into the air blast passing out through hose ll.

the size oi particles to which the crystals The adaptation oi theattachment for discharging. crystal vapors is not desired or usedin allcases, so that apertures 85 may be eliminated. Fig. 12 shows anattachment 8211 which does not have the crystal vapor apertures, but isotherwise the same as attachment 52, excepting that an imperiorate cover62a is preferably used and the asbestos inner lining 84a may ex tendupward within the compartment 58 further than in attachment 52, asshown.

Moreover, while paradichlorobenzene crystals is the usual reagent usedfor moth extermination and control, other crystal or pulverulentgermicide, insecticide, or disinfectant reagents may be discharged infinely divided form into the air blast blown from a cleaner bydepositing the sameinto the storage and distributing attachment andoperating the cleaner as described.

when the crystal blowin operation has been blades 25-2., where they.

completed. quickly detached from the cleaner and stored in a cool placeso that any crystals remainin in the storage compartment do not caketherein. The attachment can, however, be vigorously shaken Just prior toconnecting it to the cleaner so as to shake up and separate any partialcaking of crystals that may have occurred therein.

Caking oi the crystals when the machine is in operation is substantiallyprevented or eliminated, more particularly because a large portion oithe attachment is exposed to the outside air. and because there is acontinuous current of fast moving air passing around thestoragecompartment 53 .when the attachment is being used. Moreover, whenthe attachment is being used to discharge crystals to the pulverizingdevice, there is a flow of crystals from the attachment automati'callyupon movement 01 the attachment to crystal grinding position, whichprevents caking.

Likewise, the inner lining of asbestos and tin foil further reduces anyheating eflect on the crystals which tends to cake them.

.The large capacity oi attachment 52 provides for the storage anddistribution of a large quantity of crystals without increasing the sizeoi the cleaner to any extent.

It is evident that the use of the improved attachment in connection witha vertical type suction cleaner provides many advantages, but theimproved attachment can also be used on a horizontal or floor typecleaner for discharging crystals to a separate pulverizing rotor 25-28on the exhaust side of the fan or such cleaner, or for dischargingcrystals on the suction side or the usual single stage fan used on floortype cleaners.

The improved attachment has been described as preferably having anasbestos and tin foil lining in the lower portion of compartment 53.This construction is desirable, but the asbestos and tin foil lining isnot absolutely necessary for carrying out the purposes of the presentinvention, 'as it is only one or the aids in preventing caking andpromoting free flow oi crystals, as previously described.

The purpose of gaskets I0, 13 and 8| is primarily to' provide anair-tight connection for the parts abutting the same; but these gasketsalso serve another purpose of holding the associated bayonet jointstight when a connection is made.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, the passage for the flowof air through the cleaner in normal operation shown by the arrows inFig. 1, doubles back upon itself by the deflection of cover 30 and wall28. However, when attachment 52 is connected to the cleaner as shown inFig. 2,. the passage or duct through the attachment, by-passes or cutsoil a portion of the normal cleaner air flow passage, to direct all ofthe air flow from the cleaner outwardly through the attachment.

This by-passing arrangement resulting from the cooperative location ofthe attachment and cleaner passages when the attachment is connected tothe cleaner, not only permits the blower hose to be connected to thecleaner, but also enables a restriction to be placed in the passage aat", which speeds up the velocity of the air flow through the passage toassist in entraining all oi the ground particles distributed attachmentl2 may be readily and has a large crystal containing capacity fordistributing large quantities, of crystals without increasing the sizeof the cleaner, and which may be used in connection with various typesof cleaners, but which has special advantages in connection with avertical type suction cleaner.

Moreover, the present invention. provides a combined suction cleaner andcrystal storage and distributing attachment construction, whichminimizes or eliminates crystal caking when in use, which is associatedwith a pulverizing device for automatically discharging crystals to thepulverizing device when the crystal storage and distributing means ismoved to crystal grinding position, and which provides a by-passingoutlet for a cleaner for the discharge of crystals or volatile crystalvapors when desired.

The embodiments of the present improvements illustrated and describedherein are byway of example and the scope of the presentinvention is notlimited to the same or to the particular details thereof, but iscommensurate with any and all improvement subject matter containedherein, which may at any time properly under the United States patentlaws be set forth in claims hereof or originating herein, the elementsof any of such claims being intended to include their reasonablemechanical equivalents obvious to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. An attachment for a suction cleaner including walls forming a crystalreagent compartment terminating in a restricted nose forming a crystaldischarging opening, walls spaced from said compartment walls formingtherewith a passageway around said compartment, valve means for saidopening, and a heat repellant lining on the inner surface of thecompartment walls adjacent said opening.

2. An attachment for a suction cleaner including inner funnel-shapedannular walls forming a crystal reagent compartment having a truncatedconical nose provided with an outlet opening, outer funnel-shapedannular walls spaced from said inner walls and forming therewith apassageway surrounding said compartment, and valve means for saidopening including a spring pressed valve plate pivotally mountedexteriorly on said nose having a stop finger engaging said nose wall tonormally hold the valve plate in a position closing said opening.

3. An attachment for a suction cleaner including walls forming a crystalreagent compartment provided with a conical nose forming. an outletopening, walls spaced from said compartment walls forming therewith anannular passageway around said compartment, valve means on said nose forsaid opening, and said compartment walls being provided with a series ofapertures communicating between said compartment and passageway.

4. An attachment for a suction cleaner including walls forming a crystalreagent compartment terminating in a restricted nose forming a crystaldischarging opening, walls spaced from said compartment walls formingtherewith a passageway around said compartment, valve means for on saidnose for said opening, said compartment walls being provided with aseries of apertures communicating between said compartment andpassageway, and one of said walls being provided with bayonet jointslots having entry portions, an intermediate notch and an end stopnotch.

6. In combination with a suction cleaner having walls forming an annularair duct, a crystal storage and distributing attachment including innerannular walls-forming a crystal reagent compartment terminating in arestricted nose forming a crystal discharging opening, outer annularwalls spaced from said inner walls and forming therewith an annularpassageway surrounding said compartment, valve means for said opening,and means on the cleaner and attachment for detachably connecting theattachment to the cleaner with the opening communicating with the ductand with the annular duct and annular passageway in alignment wherebyair passing from'said annular duct is discharged through said annularpassageway.

'7. In combination with a suction cleaner having walls forming an airduct, a crystal storage and distributing attachment includingfunnelshaped walls forming a crystal reagent compartment having areduced nose provided with an outlet opening, walls spaced from saidfunnel- 'shaped walls forming therewith a passageway around saidcompartment, means *detachably connecting the attachment to the cleanerwith the opening communicating with the duct, valve means for saidopening having a portion projecting from said nose, and means on thecleaner engageable with said projecting portion for operating said valvemeans automatically to uncover said openingupon connecting theattachment to the cleaner.

8. In combination with a suction cleaner hav ing walls forming an airduct, a crystal storage and distributing attachment having spaced wallsforming a crystal reagent compartment and a passageway around thecompartment, the compartment walls being provided with an outlet saidopening, said compartment walls being pro-' vided with a series ofapertures communicating.

between said compartment and passageway, and

the cleaner with ,the

with said bladed rotor and with the annular pas- '1 opening,valve meansfor said opening mounted on the compartment walls exteriorly thereof,means on the cleaner and attachment for detachably connecting theattachment to the cleaner with the opening and passageway communicatingwith the duct, and projections on the cleaner engageable with the valvemeans for operating said valve means automatically to uncover saidopening upon connecting the attachment to the cleaner.

9. In combination with a suction cleaner having a bladed rotor and wallsforming an annular air duct leading from the rotor, a crystal storageand distributing attachment having spaced walls forming a crystalreagent compartment and an annular passageway around the compartment,the compartment walls being provided with an outlet opening, valve meansfor said opening, means detachably connecting the attachment to openingcommunicating sageway communicting with the annular duct,

opening and firom the fan, and having a'dust filter on the suction sideof said Ian and power driven pulverizing means communicating with saidduct, a crystal storage and distributing attachment having spaced wallsforming a crystalreagent com- I partment and a passageway around thecompartment, the compartment walls being provided with an outlet openingcommunicating with the pulverizing means, valve means for said opening,'means detachably connecting the attachment to the cleaner with thepassageway communicating with th duct, and means for automaticallyoperating said valve means upon connecting the at tachment to thecleaner.

11. In combination with a suction cleaner having a power driven fan andan annular air duct leading from the fan, and having a dust filter onthe suction side of said iian and power driven pulverizing meanscommunicating with said duct, a crystal storage and distributingattachment having inner funnel-shaped walls forming a crystal reagentcompartment provided with an outlet opening communicating with thepulverizing means, walls spaced from said funnelshaped walls formingtherewith an annular passageway around said compartment andcommunicating with said annular duct, valve means for said opening,means for detachably connecting the attachment to the cleaner, and meansfor automatically operating said valve means upon connecting theattachment to the cleaner.

12. In combination with a suction cleaner having a power driven fan andan air duct, and having a dust filter on the suction side of said fan'and power driven pulverizing means communicating with said duct, acrystal storage and distributing attachment having spaced walls forminga crystal reagent compartment and a passageway around the compartment,the compartment walls being provided with an outlet open-- 7 'ingcommunicating with the pulverizing means,

a heat repellent lining on the inner surface of the compartment wallsadjacent said opening, valve means for said opening, means detachablyconnecting the attachment to the cleaner, and

, means for automatically operating said valve means upon connecting theattachment to the cleaner.

.13. In combination with a suction cleaner having a power driven fan andan annular air duct leading from the fan, and having a dust filter onthe suction side of said :Ian and power driven pulverizing meanscommunicating with said duct, a crystal storage and distributingattachment' having spaced walls forming a crystal reagent compartmentand ,an annular passageway aroundthe compartment, the compartment wallsbeing provided with an outlet opening communicating with the pulverizingmeans, valve means for said opening, means for automatically operatingsaid valve means upon connecting the attachment to the cleaner. andmeans detachably connecting one oi. said passageway formingwalls to thecleaner to align said annular duct and annular passageway and to by-passthe air flowing through said air duct through said passageway.

14. In combination with a suction cleaner havinga power driven tan andwalls forming an air duct leading from the fan and provided with windowopenings, the cleaner having a dust filter on the suction side of saidfan and power driven pulverizing means communicating with said duct,

a crystal storage and distributing attachment having spaced inner andouter walls, the inner walls forming a crystal reagent compartment, andthe inner and outer walls forming a passageway around the compartment,the compartment walls being provided with an outlet openingcommunicating with the pulverizing means and with a series of apertures,said apertured compartment walls being adapted to be assembled intelescoped relation with the duct walls provided with said windowopenings, valve means for said opening, and means for detachablyconnecting the attachment to the cleaner; said last mentioned meansbeing operable to either of two positions, one oi. which automaticallyoperates said valve means to uncover said opening, and the other ofwhich locates said windows in uncovering relation with respect to saidapertures.

15. In suction cleaner construction, walls forming a receptacle providedwith an inlet, a dust filter in said receptacle, a power driven fansupported by said receptacle above the filter, walls forming acompartment around said fan and an air duct leading upwardly therefromand thence outwardly and downwardly to a discharge outlet, one of saidwalls including a tubular neck and another oi said walls including atubular neck provided with windows within and spaced from said firstmentioned tubular neck, power driven pulverizing means above said fan,walls forming a shield around said pulverizing means, hopper means abovethe shield provided with an opening communicating with the pulverizingmeans, and.a detachable crystal storage and distributing device havingspaced walls forming a crystal reagent compartment and a passagewayaround the compartment, the compartment walls being provided with anoutlet opening located above said hopper opening for communication withthe pulverizing means, valve means for said outlet opening, meansdetachably connecting one of said device walls with said first mentionedtubular neck, said compartment walls being telescoped within said secondmentioned tubular neck, said compartment walls being provided with aseries of apertures; and said detachable connecting means being operableto either of two

